Press Briefing by Senator John McCain

Thank you for being here this morning, and I want to thank our Chargé and the U.S. Embassy for all of their support. It is a true pleasure for me to return to this country after 15 years. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world, full of decent, amazing people who inspire me every day. It is wonderful to be back.

Over the past two days, I have had a chance to meet with senior leaders in the new civilian government, including both speakers of parliament and the First Vice President. I have met with political opposition and ethnic minority leaders, both in and out of the government […]

8,000 People to be Displaced by European-Chinese Dam Project in Burma

Military authorities in Burma have ordered 8,000 people to move from their homes in preparation for a hydroelectric dam being constructed by European and Chinese companies that will power the country’s new capital of Nay Pyi Taw […]

Statement of 8th Karen Unity Seminar

The 8th Karen Unity Seminar was successfully held from May 24 to 27, 2011, at a certain place in the area of Karen revolutionary resistance. The Seminar was attended by 117 representatives from 42 Karen organizations based at home and abroad.

At the Seminar, discussions were held particularly on the subjects of strengthening unity among the Karen people, current political situations in Burma and the sufferings the entire Karen people have to go through […]

KNU Statement on the Use of Karen Civilians for Forced Labor and as Human Shield by Burma Army

Though the leading members of the Burma government have shed their military uniforms for a civilian image and rule, treatment of the ethnic civilians by the Burma Army troops is the same as it has been under the military rule. As before, the Burma Army troops continue to perpetrate widespread […]

AAPP is Deeply Concerned over the Safety of 7 Political Prisoners Placed in Solitary Confinement for Undertaking a Hunger Strike

AAPP has learnt that 7 of the 22 political prisoners who have been on a hunger strike in Insein Prison have been placed in solitary confinement. They have a list of six demands regarding basic prisoner rights and have been undergoing a hunger strike until their demands are met […]

Press Advisory: Burma Centre Delhi urges Prime Minister of India for Restoration of Peace and Justice in Burma

Today, Burma Centre Delhi submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh for his kind attention to advocate for restoration of peace, justice and human rights in Burma and in the region. A copy of the memorandum was submitted to the Home Minister of India […]

Stop Legal Action Against Malaysian Human Rights Defender for Highlighting Rights of Migrant Workers

The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and Human Rights Now express their great concern regarding the case of Mr. Charles Hector Fernandez, a Malaysian human rights lawyer, activist and blogger. We were informed that Asahi Kosei (M) Sdn. Bhd., subsidiary of Asahi Kosei Japan Co. Ltd., filed a defamation law suit […]

Political Prisoners Strike Back, Hunger Strike in Insein Prison Demands the Attention of the International Community

The U. S. Campaign for Burma (USCB), a Washington, DC-based grassroots organization campaigning to end crimes against humanity and the culture of impunity in the Southeast Asian country of Burma, today strongly demands the international community pay attention to the hunger strike […]

Burma: International Community Should not be Appeased by Empty ‘Amnesty’ Gestures and a Façade of Change

The announcement on 16 May 2011 by Burmese president Thein Sein that all prisoners will receive a one-year sentence reduction is so woefully inadequate that it should be regarded as nothing but another attempt to present a façade of change while the regime continues to restrict […]

Statement of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar

This is the final day of my mission to Thailand which began on 16 May 2011. I visited Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and Bangkok this time in my efforts to gather information about the situation inside Myanmar where I have not been able to visit. This information is important for preparation of my next report to the UN General Assembly later this year […]